India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
